Solar thermal in limbo warns trade body

A group of 21 organisations have written to Energy Minister Baroness Neville-Rolfe urging her to retain solar thermal within the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI).

The letter has been signed by organisations representing the solar industry, local government, manufacturers, housing providers, land owners, and environmental campaigners.

Without using solar thermal, the UK Government will struggle to meet its dual targets of alleviating fuel poverty and reaching 12% renewable heat by 2020, the letter said.

It accused the UK of lagging behind its international competitors.

Quick decision needed

Paul Barwell, Chief Executive at the Solar Trade Association (STA), said: “The industry was shocked, in March, when the UK Government proposed removing solar thermal from the RHI, whilst retaining support for heat pumps and biomass.

“Now, six months later, the industry is still in limbo as it waits for the UK Government’s response.

“We are confident that the STA made a compelling case to support solar thermal and hope the UK Government rethinks its proposal. “However, it is urgent that we get a decision quickly to end this uncertainty.”